Open vs. Enclosed Trailers: Which One Is Right for You?

At Hetman Rental, we have over 30 different trailers, and one of the most common questions we get is: “What’s better — an open utility trailer or a closed cargo trailer?” Price is important but not decisive — the main criteria remain the type of cargo, weather conditions, distance of transportation, and the required level of protection.

Both types of trailers can be used effectively for moves, transporting building materials, or on-site work. The key here is to understand exactly what you’re transporting. Do you need to protect the cargo from rain? How far are you traveling? Will it be easy to load? Each option is designed for specific tasks, and if you reach out to us for utility trailer rental, we’ll select the best one for you.

Even this first moment of choice often causes difficulties. At first glance, it seems simple: the open platform is easier to load, while the closed one protects from rain. But there are other nuances of choosing open vs enclosed trailer that can be significant.

An open trailer is a versatile platform that can be with or without sides. Its main feature is the simplicity of the design and maximum functionality. The open bed is easy to load and unload. A flat platform or mesh floor is suitable for various types of cargo: furniture, appliances, building materials, lawnmowers, ATVs, etc.

What are the advantages?

Simply put, an open trailer is like a roofless trunk, only much larger and stronger.

An enclosed utility trailer is a closed model that provides full protection for cargo on all sides. Its main advantage is security: both from the weather and from theft. It usually has rear or side doors, a platform with a floor, and may have internal fastenings or shelves. It can be single or double-axle, and comes in various sizes — from small to large cargo trailers.

What are the advantages?

Simply put: an enclosed cargo trailer is a mobile warehouse or room on wheels.

Although they may look very similar, especially in closed models, There is a difference between a utility trailer vs cargo trailer in terms of design features, shapes, and purposes.

From a regulatory standpoint, special driver’s licenses and skills may be required for heavy-duty trailers, which should be considered when planning projects related to transporting significant loads.

When creating Hetman Rental, we took into account all the main types of cargo that individuals and companies may need to transport. Of course, there are some rarely used specialized trailers, but in most cases, our selection of types of utility trailers covers all needs.

For transporting vehicles and machinery

For oversized cargo and building materials

For household and commercial needs

We have all the popular options for utility trailers, so we’ll choose the optimal one, taking into account all the important parameters.

There is no single right option for everyone — it all depends on your tasks. Use cargo trailer comparison for a well-considered decision: cargo, route, conditions, weather, and even access to the loading point — everything matters.

Your furniture, appliances, and boxes should be protected from rain, dust, wind, or prying eyes. Enclosed trailer rental will provide not only full protection but also peace of mind during long-distance moves, especially when moving between cities or in unstable weather conditions.

An open trailer is more convenient for transporting building materials such as bricks, boards, cement, and sand. With no sides or walls, loading and unloading is fast and convenient, especially when using heavy-duty equipment.

For transporting gardening equipment or household appliances, an open trailer is a simple and cheaper option. Household or office items, as well as anything you wouldn’t leave outside overnight, are better kept in a closed trailer.

Choose only a closed cargo trailer rental, as electronics, household appliances, and goods for sale require protection not only from weather conditions but also from theft. A closed trailer is a mobile safe on wheels.

For transporting agricultural machinery or similar items, we recommend an open trailer with a reinforced platform. It allows for transporting large, non-standard shaped loads without height and width restrictions.

In conclusion, an open trailer is suitable for those who need to transport cargo cheaply that isn’t sensitive to unfavorable conditions. Or if you’re transporting something over a short distance and the weather doesn’t predict rain. It’s often the only practical option for cargo that needs to be loaded with a crane or forklift. A closed structure will be the optimal choice if you definitely need to properly cover the cargo — electronics, important documents. Or if you have a long and difficult road ahead, or when the cargo might shift or fall during transportation.

Hetman Rental offers a large fleet of utility trailers in Calgary, including both enclosed models and open platforms. You don’t need to understand all the details; just tell us what you plan to transport and the specifics of the road, and we’ll recommend the best option from what we have. For moving property and transporting personal belongings, for delivering goods and logistical operations, for performing construction work; whether for a day or a week — we will offer an adequate price and the best closed or open trailer. Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more details.